Ironing machine



June 16, 1936. W- F- OUVER 2,044,323

IRONING MACHINE Filed Nov` 12, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY W. F. OLIVER IRONING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 16, 1936.

Filed Nov. 12, 1934 I 236 24o M .aaa N v HHM 24e 24@ l/\ zzef* /a 26 im 2 f i12/f8 24 l l l 1 mf ns /sa 30 qw" 'lu Y v *fggg-l1 24a INVENTOR WQLLz-vcE/f-'UL/l/fe ATTORNEY June 16, 1936. W F OUVER 2,044,323

IRONING MACHINE Filed Nov, 12, 1954 e sheets-sneet' INVENTOR Wel/.L @cf /f-OL /l/fe ATTORNEY June 16', 1936. W OUVER 2,044,323

IRONING MACHINE Filed Nov. l2, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEY June 16, 1936.

w. F. OLIVER l 2,044,323

IRONING MACHINE Filed NOV. l2, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 /26 I @iii ATTORN EY 2glaw/gm Jlune 16, 1936. w. F. OLIVER IRONING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 19.34 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 /a 5 ZZ'- INVENTOR l BWfzm ATTORNEY Patented June i6, i936 nire rr einen TNT @EC KRONHNG MAC Application November 12, 1934, Serial No. 752,727

1o claims.

-Ths invention relates to ironing machines and more particularly to ironing machines for domestic use.

Broadly the invention comprehends an ironing machine including cooperative ironing elements, one movable into and from operative position by actuating means including means for locking this element in any one of a plurality of operative positions, and the other movable by hydraulic 1o means to create an ironing pressure between the elements.

An object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine having relatively movable ironing elements and means for retaining one of the elements in any one of a plurality of operative positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine having relatively movable ironing elements, one manually 4movable into any one of a plurality of operative positions and there retained against movement, and the other movable by hydraulic means having actuating means controlling the retaining means.

Another object of the invention is to provide 25 an ironing machine having relatively movable ironing elements, one movable into and from any one of a plurality of operative positions by force applied to a foot pedal lever, means for retaining this element in any one of a plurality of positions, and the other element movable by a fluid pressure system including a compressor and means for actuating the compressor including means for releasing the retaining means.

Other objects of the invention will appear from 3i the following descriptioirtaken in connection with the drawings which form a part of this specification', and in which,-

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of an ironing machine embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the mechanism for actuating the head and for locking the head in operative position;

Figure 3 is a sectional view substantially on line 3 3, Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view substantially on line 4 4, Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a detail view of a locking device;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the buck support; 50 Figure '7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the buck support illustrating the arrangement of the fluid pressure motors and the `buck actuated thereby;

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view of one of the 55 uid pressure motors;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of a uid compressor for actuating the buck;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view substantially on line Ill-I0, Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a sectional view substantially on 5 line I I-I I, Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a sectional view substantially on line I2-I2, Figure 9; and

Figure 13 is a diagram of the electrical circuit for the machine. 10

Referring to the drawings for more specific details of the invention, I0 represents a frame having a sump I2 at one end and a hollow upwardly extending column I4 at its other end. The upper end of the column I4 terminates in a spher- 15 ical portion IB, the object of which will hereinafter appear.

The frame is supported by a column I8 fitted in a sleeve 2U suitably secured to the frame concentric to the column IB, and corresponding legs 20 22 secured respectively to the respective sides of the frame.

A top 24 supported by the frame has openings for the reception of the column I and an upwardly extending frustro-conical portion 26 25 having an opening 28 registering with the sump I2. The top also has an apron 30 which together with a shield 32, suitably secured to the frame, effectively conceal from view the operating mechanism of the machine. 30

A fluid compression device indicated generally at 34 is suitably mounted in the sump I2. This device includes a reservoir 36 having a cover 38 provided with a concentric opening. The cover is suitably secured against displacement as by a 35 retaining ring 40. A reciprocal piston 62 in the reservoir has a concentric sleeve extending through the head of the piston. A leak-proof cup M on the head of the piston is retained against displacement by a circumferential flange 40 86 on the sleeve, and a hollow rod 48 threaded in the sleeve extends through an opening in the cover of the reservoir and is provided with a closure plug 50. A spring 52 interposed between the cover 38 of the reservoir and the back of the piston 45 t2 urges the piston toward the bottom of the reservoir to impose pressure on the uid therein. By removing the plug and retracting the piston. the reservoir may be filled through the rod 48.

Formed in the base of the reservoir is a com- 50 pound cylinder 54 including a large cylinder 56 and a small cylinder 58 arranged coaxially and communicating with one another. The large cylinder 56 has ports 60 and 62 providing communications between the large cylinder and the reser- 55 voir,'and the small cylinder has a discharge port 64 controlled as by a check valve 66.

A reciprocal pistol 68 in the compound cylinder 54 is held against displacement by a retaining ring 10 fitted in a grove in the wall of the cylinder 56 adjacent the open end thereof. This piston has heads 12 and 14 spaced apart by a sleeve 16, and a skirt provided with spaced radialflanges 18 between which is tted a leak-proof cup 80. A portion of the skirt is reduced in diameter to provide in conjunction with the wall of the cylinder an annular chamber 82 communicating with the reservoir 36 as by way of the port 60.

The head 12 is fitted in the larger. cylinder 56 and has a plurality of ports 84 providing communications between the annular chamber 82 and that portion of the cylinder 56 forward of the head 12. A collapsible leak-proof cup 86 loosely fitted in a circumferential groove in the piston controls the ports 84. 'I'liis cup is normally held against the head by a relatively light spring 88 interposed between the cup and a suitable stop 90.

A plug 92 suitably secured in the skirt of the piston provides, in conjunction with the skirt, a chamber 94 communicating with the sleeve 16. 'I'he chamber 94 has a port 96 providing a communication between the chamber 94 and the annular chamber 82, and a plurality of ports 98 providing communications between the chamber 94 and that portion of the cylinder 56 forward of the piston 12.

The head 14 of the piston is fitted in the smaller cylinder 58. This head has a plurality of ports |00 providing communications between the larger cylinder 56 and the smaller cylinder 58. 'Ihis head also has an extension |02 having a passage |04 providing a communication between the sleeve 16 and the smaller cylinder 58. A collapsible leak-proof cup |06 on the head 14 of the piston is retained against displacement by a ange |08 on the extension |02, and interposed between the ange |08 and the head of the smaller cylinder 58 is a spring ||0 for urging the piston to its retracted position.

A reciprocal piston ||2 in the sleeve 16 has on its head a leak-proof cup I|4 held against displacement by a spring I6 interposed between the cup and the back of the piston 14. The piston ||2 carries a Valve ||8 urged by a relatively heavy spring |20 to a cushioned seat |22 in the chamber 94 to close the ports 98.

A recess |24 in the plug 92 in the skirt of the piston receives one end of a thrust rod |26, the other end of which is pivotally attached to an arm |28 keyed to a shaft |30 journaled in a suitable bearing |32 on the frame, and an operating lever |34 suitably secured to the shaft |30 has an extension |36, and threaded on the extension is a knob or hand grip |38 easily accessible to an operator. Upon applying force to the lever |34 the shaft 30 may be moved through an angle and this movement is transmitted through the arm |28 and the thrust pin |26 to move the piston 68 on its compression stroke.

A valve chamber |40 formed in the base of the reservoir 36 has a port |42, providing a communication between the valve chamber and the reservoir, and a port |44 the object of which will hereinafter appear. A valve cage |46 fitted in the valve chamber is secured in place by a plug |48 threaded in the open end of the chamber. The Valve cage has a circumferential groove |50 communicating with the ports M2, and a port |52 providing communication between the groove |50 -frame I0.

and the interior of the cage. The cage also has a head |54 located between the ports |42 and |44,

and the head has a concentric port |56.

A leak-proof cup |58 on the head of the valve cage has a concentric opening and the perimeter defining this opening overhangs the perimeter defining the port |56. Another leak-proof cup |60 is seated on the head of the valve chamber. and alspring interposed between the cups |50 and |60 effectively retains. the cups against displacement.

Al valve |64 has a portion |66 adapted to enter the port |56 in the head of the valve cage and engage the overhanging perimeter of the leakproof cup to eifectively seal the valve when it is in closed position. The valve has a stem |68 extending through the head of the valve chamber. Ari adjustable collar |10 on the valve stem and a spring v|72 sleeved on the stem between the collar and the head of the valve chamber urges the valve to its closed position. The free end of the valve stem abuts a screw |14 adjustably mounted in an arm |16 keyed on the shaft |30 journaled on the frame I0.

The arm |16 has an offset portion or driver |18, the object of which will hereinafter appear, and a notch for the reception of a springpressed plunger |82 suitably mounted on the When the plunger |82 is in engagement with the notch |80, the operating lever |34 is retained in neutral position.

A buck support suitably mounted on the reservoir 36 includes an elongated receptacle. Fluid pressure motors |86 and |88 are mounted respectively in the respective ends of this receptacle. Each of these motors'includes a cylinder |90 having therein a reciprocable piston |92. The piston is provided with a head |94 having an extension |96 on which is fitted a leak-proof cup |98, and the extension |96 has a diametral bore 200 communicating with an axial bore 202 in the piston. A bleeder screw 204 is threaded in the bore 202 in the piston, and fitted on the back of the piston is a cap `206 /enclosing the bleeder screw.

' The cylinders of the uid pressure motors |86 and |88 are connected respectively by conduits 208 and 2I0 to a coupling 2|2. The coupling is connected by a conduit 2 I4 to the discharge port of the compressor, with the valve 66 interposed,

and by a conduit 2|6 to the port |44 in the valve chamber I 40.

A buck 2 8 of any preferred type has on its back a flange 220 arranged to partially telescope the receptacle |84, and pressure plates 222 bearing against the caps 206 on the respective pistons |92. The buck also has formed on its back adjacent its respective ends corresponding sleeves 224 embraced by suitable guides 226 on the walls of the cylinders of the respective fluid pressure motors |86 and |88. Rods 228 suitably secured in the bottom of the receptacle |84 extend upwardly into the sleeve 224. The rods have heads, and sleeved on the rods between their heads and retaining rings in the open ends of the sleeves are coil springs 230.

An ironing head 232 adaptable for cooperation with the buck 2| 8 is pivotally connected to cci'- Y responding oppositely disposed horns 234 formed on one end of a hollow arm 236, the other end of which is flared as indicated at 238 to receive the spherical portion I6 on the column I4. The arm 236 has an internal web 240. This web has an integral arm 242 which extends downward into the column 4 and is pivoted to the spherical portion I6 of the column I4. A yoke 244 plvoted on the arm 242 is connected by coil springs 246 to adjusting screws 248 suitably mounted on the frame. Upon completion of an ironing operation the springs 246 function to actuate the arm 236 to move the head 232 to the elevated or inoperative position.

A segment 258 pivoted on the frame is connected by a link 252 to the end of the arm 242. This segment has a ratchet 254 arranged for cooperation with a spring-pressed pawl 256 pivoted on the sump I2, and the pawl carries an adjusting screw 258 arranged for cooperation with thedriver |18 on the arm |16. When the head 232 is moved into operative position, the segment is moved to a position where the ratchet thereon may be engaged by the pawl to lock the head against movement.

In some instances it may be found desirable to lock the head in any one of a plurality of positions wherein the head does not engage the buck. This is highly desirable when the ironing head 232 is equipped with attachments for ironing rufiies and other articles. Such an ironing head is fully disclosed in the application of Otto C. Lang, Serial No. 717,499, led April l1, 1934. Accordingly. the segment 25D is provided with an aperture arranged for the reception of a plunger 268. This plunger is retained in disengaged position by a spring 262. A member 264 pivoted on a bracket 266 on the frame engages the plunger, and a rod 268 having a portion threaded in the bracket engages the member 264. By manipulating the rod the member 264 is moved through an angle and this movement is transmitted to the plunger 268 to engage the plunger in the apertures in the segment 258 to lock the head against movement.

A foot pedal lever 216 suitably mounted in the column I8 is connected by a two-part rod 212 to the arm 244. The rod extends through a bracket, and sleeved on the rod between the bracket and a collar 214 on the rod is a coil spring 216. Because of the two-part rod structure, the machine may be disassembled without the necessity of disconnecting the rod.

By depressing the pedal 218, force is transmitted through the rod 212 to the arm 242 causing the arm to move on its pivot resulting in movement of the head 232 into operative position. A fluid pressure switch 218 connected in the coupling 2I2 is connected in a circuit 288 including a lamp 282 housed in the arm 236 adjacent an opening in the arm having therein a colored glass 284. The circuit 288 is tapped oi of a circuit 286 including a heating element 288 arranged within the ironing head, and a rheostat 25D arranged on the top of the ironing head. The circuit 286 may be connected to any suitable source of electrical supply.

In operation, assuming that the uid pressure system is filled with fluid, that the circuit 284 is connected to a suitable source of electrical supply, that the head 232 is in elevated or inoperative position, and that the buck is in lowered position or the position of rest wherein the pistons of the fluid pressure motors |86 and |88 are in retracted position with the buck held against the pistons by the springs 238,--under these conditions, the operator places the work upon the buck and depresses the foot pedal lever 218, resulting in lowering the head into operative position. which position varies according to the thickness of the work.

Upon moving the head into operative position the arm 242 is moved through an angle, and this movement of the arm places the springs 246 under tension and transmits force through the link 252 to the segment 250, resulting in moving the segment into position for engagement of the ratchet 254 thereon with the pawl 256.

After moving the head into operative position, the operator depresses the lever |34, whereupon the operating shaft |38 is moved through an since the segment is connected by the link 252 to the arm 242 and this arm is integral with the arm 236 and the horns 234 supporting the head, the head is locked in operative position.

During the initial movement of the piston 68 on its compression stroke, the leak-proof cup 86 covers the port 62, and the fluid in the larger cylinder 56 is displaced through the port |08 in the head 14, past the leak-proof cup |86 into the smaller cylinder 58, thence through the discharge port 64, past the check valve 66, through the conduit 2I4, coupling 2I2 and conduits 208 and ZID to the uid pressure motors |86 and |88, resulting in actuating the pistons |92 of the fluid pressure motors against the resistance of the springs 230 and movement of the buck 2|8 against 'l the head 232.

This movement of the buck 2I8 is the result of the displacement of fluid due to the initial movement of the piston 68, and upon further movement of the piston 68 a predetermined pressure is obtained. whereupon the piston I I2 is actuated by the fluid under pressure in the cylinder 56, resulting in tripping the valve I I8 which renders the piston head 12 ineffective for producing pressure, the uid forward of the head 12 being returned to the reservoir 26 by way of port 86, chamber 94, port 96, annular chamber 82, and port 60. As the piston proceeds on its compression stroke the fluid under pressure in the smaller cylinder 58 operates against the piston II2 to retain the valve |I8 in open position.

This transition of pressure occurs over a relatively wide range dependent entirely upon the relation of the area of the piston II2 to the area of the valve I I8. Because of the restricted opening 98 providing communication between the cylinder 56 and the face of the valve II8, sudden movement of the piston 68 on its compression stroke will not cause actuation of the valve II8.

When the pressure between the ironing elements has reached a predetermined degree, the fluid under pressure in the system actuates the fluid pressure switch 218 to close the circuit 288, resulting in lighting the lamp 282, which gives a visual indication that the required pressure between the head and the buck to effectively iron the work has been obtained.

Upon release of the lever |24 the check valve 66 closes, and maintains the pressure at a predetermined degree. After maintaining the pressure for sufcient time to eectively iron the work, the operator releases the lever |34. In this operation, upon the initial movement of the lever, the shaft |36 is rocked, and ths movement of the shaft is transmitted through the arm |28 to the thrust pin |26 resulting in retracting the thrust pin. As the thrust pin is retracted the piston 68 is returned under the influence of the spring |60 to its retracted position.

As the piston 60 returns to its retracted position, the cups 86 and |06 collapse, andflui'd is drawn from the reservoir 36 Athrough port 60, annular chamber 82, ports 84, past the cup 86',- into the larger cylinder 56 forward of the piston 12, thence through ports |00, past cup |06, into the smaller cylinder 58, filling the cylinders 56 and 50 for subsequent operations.

Further movement of the lever toward neutral position transmits force through the arm |16'on the shaft to the valve stem |68, resulting in tripping the valve |64, whereupon the pressure on the fluid in the fluid pressure motors |86 and |88 is released, and fluid is returned from these motors through the conduits 208 and 2|0, coupling 2|2 and conduit 2|6 to the valve chamber |40, past the valve therein, and thence through port |42 to the reservoir 36. 'Ihis flow of uid is due to the tension on the springs 230 connected between the buck 2| 8 and the buck support |84.

As the operating lever |34 approaches neutral position, the driver |18 on the arm |16 actuates the pawl 256 to disengage the pawl from the ratchet 254 on the segment 250. Upon disengaging the pawl from the ratchet, the springs 246 become effective to return the head 232 to elevated position, and upon the operating lever moving into neutral position the plunger |82 engages the notch in the arm |16 and thereby retains the operating lever in neutral position and at the same time retains the valve I 52 in open position.

Although this invention has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments, the principles involved are susceptible of numerous other applications that willlreadily occur to persons skilled in the art. The invention is, therefore, to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the various features of the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,- i

1. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, means for moving one of the elements into operative position, a ratchet connected to this element, a pawl cooperating with the ratchet for retaining this element in operat'ive position, means for actuating the other element to create an ironing pressure between the elements, and means for operating the actuating means including means for trippingithevpawl upon completion of the ironing operation.

2. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, one of the elements mounted to swing into and from operative position, a ratchet connected to the swinging element, a pawl cooperating with the ratchet for retaining the swinging element in operative position, means for actuating the other element to create an ironing pressure between the elements, means for operating the actuating means including means for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet upon completion of the ironing operation, and means for moving the swinging element from operative position upon disengaging the pawl from the ratchet.

3. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, one mounted to swing into and from operative position a lever for actuating the swinging element into operative position, a

spring for moving the swinging element from operative position,v a ratchet connected to the swinging element, a pawl cooperating with the ratchet for retaining the swingingelement in operative position, means for actuating the other element lto create an ironing pressure between the elements, and means for operating the actuating means includinglmeans for tripping the pawl upon completion of the ironing operation.

4. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements, a foot pedal lever for moving one of the elements into operative position, a spring for moving this element from operative position', a ratchet segment connected to this elelment for concomitant movement therewith, a

spring-pressed pawl pivoted on a fixed support and arranged for cooperation with the ratchet segment, means for actuating the other element to create an ironing pressure between the elements, means for operating the actuating means including means for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet segment upon completion of the ironing operation.

5. An lironing machine comprising an ironing head and a buck for cooperation therewith, a member supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, a foot pedal lever for actuating the member to move the head into operative position. a ratchet connected to the member, a pawl pivoted on a fixed support and arranged for cooperation with the ratchet for retaining the head in operative position, tension means cooperating with the member for moving the head from operative position, means for ac- 3 tuating the buck into pressing engagement with the head, and manually operative means for operating the actuating means including means for tripping the pawl upon completion of the pressing operation.

6. An ironing machine comprising a frame, a buck on the frame, an ironing head. an arm on the frame supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, a foot pedal lever for actuating the arm to move the head into operative position, means for retaining the head in operative position including a ratchet segment pivoted on the frame and connected by a link to the arm, a pawl pivoted on the frame and arranged for cooperation with the ratchet segment, means for actuating the buck into pressing engagement with the head, and means for operating the actuating means including means for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet upon completion of the pressing operation. y

7. An ironing machine comprising a frame, a buck on the frame, an ironing head. means on the frame supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, a ratchet segment pivoted on the frame and connected to and movable concomitantly with the supporting means, a pawl pivoted on the frame and arranged for cooperation with the ratchet segment, means for actuating the supporting means to move the head into inoperative position, means for actuating the buck into pressing engagement with the head.'

and a means for operating the actuating means including means for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet upon completion of the pressing operation.

8. An ironing machine comprising a frame. a movable support thereon, an ironing head on the Support, a buck on the frame for cooperation with the ironing head, a lever connected to the support for actuating the support to move the head into operative position, a ratchet segment pivoted on the frame, a link connecting the ratchet segment to the support, a spring-pressed pawl on the frame for cooperation with the ratchet segment, means tending to move the head from operative position, means for actuating the buck into pressing engagement with the head, means for operating the actuating means including means for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet segment upon completion of the pressing operation.

9. An ironing machine comprising a head, a buck for cooperation therewith, means supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, means tending to move the head from operative position, means for retaining the head in any one of a plurality of operative positions including a ratchet connected to and movable concomitantly with the head and a pawl cooperating with the ratchet, means for actuating the buck into pressing engagement with the head, and means for operating the buck actuating means including means for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet upon completion of the pressing operation.

10. An ironing machine comprising a head, a buck for cooperation therewith, means supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, a lever for actuating the supporting means to move the head into operative position, means tending' to move the head from operative position, means for retaining the ironing element in any one of a plurality of operative positions including a ratchet connected to and movable concomitantly with the supporting means and a pawl cooperating with the ratchet, means for, actuating the buck into pressing engagement with the head, and means for operating the buck actuating means including means for ldisengaging the pawl from the ratchet upon completion of the pressing operation.

WALLACE F. OLIVm. 

